The four-cylinder engine is still in possession of the family of late Dr. Eschird made a document that noted the VIN number of the engine and other parts that he removed out of the Spyder. The curse of the “Little Bastard” spread like wildfire, and people discussed the topic curiously. Numerous accidents occurred until one day in 1960 when the car was going to a safety exhibit in Miami, but mysteriously disappeared during transit and was never seen again. People that touched the carcass of the 550 Sypder got cuts and mysterious wounds that did not let the rumors die down. Barris displayed the car in various car shows in the wrecked condition to earn popularity as the mystique surrounding the cursed Porsche kept growing. George Barris, known as 'King of the Kustomizers' a car customizer from Hollywood, purchased the wrecked Porsche as it had a famous name linked to it. Related: Wolfgang and Ferdinand Porsche Test Two 550 Spyders On The High Alpine Road Both had used parts of the same 550 Spyder in their cars, and that is why they were in harm's way as the curse afflicted them. These incidents created a new buzz surrounding the Porsche 550 and its curse. The accident proved to be fatal and claimed the life of Dr. Mid-race, Troy McHenry lost control of his steering wheel and crashed into a tree.

However, he was not the only one that met with an accident that day. Eschrid was not heavily injured and suffered minor injuries, whereas the car was totaled. But this joy soon disappeared when the Lotus suddenly lost control and crashed. They participated in the 1956 Ponoma Race with their cars that had the cursed Spyder 550 spares installed.Įverything seemed to be going well, and Eschird was pleased with the way his Lotus drove thanks to the Porsche engine he installed.

1955 porsche 550 spyder